Quote:
Originally Posted by DropIt
Dont see how Chiasson is going to beat out Frolik for #2 RW...
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Because I wouldn't want our best defensive winger in Frolik taking on the easy minutes & assignments on a sheltered scoring line. Can Chiasson be good enough defensively to replace Frolik on Backlund's line? Possibly, but why risk breaking up a pair that have obvious chemistry? I feel it kills multiple birds with one stone if he started out taking on easier minutes with Bennett / Tkachuk. They'd all be getting better linemates to play with, plus room to score and build confidence.
I think the opposite was done to Sam this past season; if veterans were indeed concerned over Bennett's usage by Hartley last season (hinted at by Millions), I suspect a primary reason behind it was the line he was put on - rather than the lack of OT ice time, etc.
It's great to learn the defensive side of the game, yes. It's great to give Sam more ice time as a winger rather than a lower-line center - also understandable. But doing so by putting him as a winger on Backlund and Frolik's line - the most savage and brutal of the assignments and deployments issued (
As a rookie!) - really makes me question whether it was worth it for his long-term development. Bennett's finest games played last season were when he was playing at center. I can't imagine we'll be seeing him playing wing again, ever.